Jump to main content.

Notice of Availability of Draft Comprehensive Conservation Plan and Environmental Assessment for Necedah National Wildlife Refuge, Wood and Juneau Counties, Wisconsin

Note: EPA no longer updates this information, but it may be useful as a reference or resource.

 [Federal Register: August 1, 2000 (Volume 65, Number 148)]
[Notices]
[Page 46940-46941]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr01au00-63]

=======================================================================
-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Fish and Wildlife


Notice of Availability of Draft Comprehensive Conservation Plan
and Environmental Assessment for Necedah National Wildlife Refuge, Wood
and Juneau Counties, Wisconsin

AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior.

ACTION: Notice of availability.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: Pursuant to the Refuge Improvement Act of 1997, the U.S. Fish

[[Page 46941]]

and Wildlife Service (Service) has published the Necedah National
Wildlife Refuge (Refuge) Draft Comprehensive Conservation Plan and
associated Environmental Assessment. The Draft Plan describes how the
Service intends to manage the Refuge for the next 10-15 years.

DATES: Submit written comments by August 25, 2000. All comments should
be addressed to: Tom Magnuson, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 1
Federal Drive, Room 530, Fort Snelling, Minnesota 55111. Comments may
also be submitted through the Service's regional Web site at: http://
midwest.fws.gov/planning.

ADDRESSES: A copy of the Draft Comprehensive Conservation Plan and
Environmental Assessment, or a summary of the combined document, may be
obtained by writing to Tom Magnuson at the address above or by placing
a request through the Web site.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For additional information contact
Larry Wargowsky, Necedah National Wildlife Refuge, W7996 20th Street
West, Necedah, Wisconsin 54646-7531. Phone: 608-565-2551; E-Mail:
larry_wargowsky@fws.gov

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Refuge was established in 1939 as a
refuge and breeding ground for migratory birds and for use as an
inviolate sanctuary for migratory birds. It is located in central
Wisconsin, about 180 miles southeast of Minneapolis, Minnesota, 150
miles northwest of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and about four miles west of
Necedah, Wisconsin.
    The history of the Refuge dates back to the early 1930s when the
U.S. Government acquired 114,964 acres of land in Juneau, Wood, Monroe,
and Jackson counties, Wisconsin, to assist farmers living within the
area and to develop the area for wildlife.
    Situated on the bed of former Glacial Lake Wisconsin and the Great
Central Wisconsin Swamp, land in and around the Refuge was once a vast
peat bog with some low wooded islands and savannas; the higher sand
ridges were occupied by mature stands of pines and other species.
Today, the Refuge consists of 43,696 acres of wetlands and open water
areas; pine, oak, and aspen forests; grasslands and rare savannas, all
of which support a rich diversity of fish, wildlife, and plant
populations. Over 230 different species of birds have been observed on
the Refuge since its inception. The Refuge also supports several
threatened, endangered, and rare species like the Karner blue
butterfly, Blanding's turtle, and the eastern massasauga rattlesnake,
as well as resident game species including the white-tailed deer, wild
turkey, and ruffed grouse. In addition, nearly 150,000 people visit the
Refuge annually to hunt, fish, hike, observe and photograph wildlife,
pick berries, or relax among the trees, wetlands, and wildlife.
    Management of the Refuge is carried out by a multi-disciplined team
of biologists, technicians, and support staff who are recognized
leaders in their fields. Protecting, restoring, and maintaining
biologically diverse and productive wetlands, forest land, grasslands,
and savannas for fish and wildlife resources are key indicators of
management success. Management tools involve water level manipulation,
prescribed burning, timber harvest, land acquisition, and public
outreach and environmental education. Scientifically rigorous
monitoring and research activities create the foundation from which
quality management decisions are made. Cooperative working
relationships with universities, other Federal agencies, the State of
Wisconsin, elementary and secondary educational institutions, and non-
governmental organizations are key assets to management success.

    Dated: July 26, 2000.
Marvin E. Moriarty,
Acting Regional Director.
[FR Doc. 00-19325 Filed 7-31-00; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-55-M

 
 

Local Navigation

Jump to main content.